Norwich City Council has said its futuristic plans to redesign the market place are not set in stone.

Residents in Norwich had been asked to vote for one of three futuristic designs which would give the city's market a fresh look.

But some market traders and shoppers argued the stalls should remain unchanged.

Now the council has announced the designs are not final.

A spokesman for the council said no decision had been made on the number, type or colour of the stalls.

Option two has awnings, similar to material at the Forum car park

The spokesman said urgent repairs are needed to the electrics and drainage.

More than a thousand people have voted on the designs so far.

Earlier this week a campaign started to save the historic market place from a complete redesign.

Adrian Ramsay, Green Party spokesman, said on Monday the character of the market was under threat and hundreds of people have signed a petition to demand the prime site is protected.

Option three has metal framed stalls covered by pyramids

"A huge amount of market stall holders are pulling together with the Norwich Society, Green Party, councillors from other parties and the public to force the council's executive to changes its mind," he said.

"I think they will soon realise that they have gone down the wrong road with this.

"They will see they don't have much support for a redesign and will have to go for a refurbishment."

Earlier this week the council said three proposed designs would provide new wider aisles but would reduce the number of market stalls from 205 to between 140 and 160.

The council hoped work would begin to replace the market in January 2005 and will be finalised in time for Christmas shopping later in the year.